Holder for interconnecting components

ABSTRACT

A holder for connection to a first unit has a locking device designed for insertion, in a first position, into a receiving part in the first unit and, in a second position, for locking the holder to the first unit, is described. The holder&#39;s locking device has a threaded locking shaft arranged for axial movement in the holder, a handle with a threaded hole for admitting the locking shaft and a locking element rigidly connected to the locking shaft. The holder also has at least one beveled shoulder against which the locking element is axially movable, the handle axially pulling the locking shaft, as well as the locking element, against the beveled shoulder when rotated for locking, thereby inducing simultaneous rotation of the locking element to lock the holder to the receiving part.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a holder of the type forinterconnecting different components.

2. Description of the Prior Art

When different components are interconnected, such as instruments ondevices, rails etc., the connection must be firm and stable. It wouldalso be advantageous if assembly, disassembly and holder repositioningcould be performed quickly and simply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to achieve a holder with thedesired characteristics.

The above object is achieved in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention in a holder for attachment to a first unit having alocking device for insertion, in a first position, into a receiving partin the first unit and for locking, in a second position, the holder tothe first unit, wherein the locking device has a threaded shaft which isaxially movable in the holder, a handle with a threaded bore forreceiving the threaded shaft, and a locking element rigidly connected tothe locking shaft. The holder further has at least one beveled shoulder,against which the locking element is axially movable. When rotated, thehandle pulls the shaft as well as the locking element axially againstthe beveled shoulder, causing simultaneous rotation of the lockingelement, in order to lock the holder to the receiving part.

The inventive design with simultaneous axial motion and locking rotationmakes it possible to devise a locking element for axial insertion into agroove or corresponding receiving part in the unit to which the holderis to be connected. The locking element is then screwed in, whereupon abeveled shoulder or shoulders force(s) the locking device to rotate andassume a locking position against contact surfaces in the receivingpart. This greatly facilitates both assembly and disassembly.

Spring loading of the locking element ensures that the device alwaysreverts to its original position in disassembly.

When the locking shaft and locking element are devised as a singlecomponent, the number of components in the locking device is kept to aminimum.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a holder in accordance with the inventionin a first, non-locking position relative to a unit.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the holder of FIG. 1 shown in a second,locking position relative to the unit.

FIG. 3 shows the locking element and the shaft inside the holder inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the entire inventive holder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the locking principle of the holder accordingto the invention, and the following description therefore refers toboth.

The holder has a load-bearing part 2 that, in this instance, has beenbrought to bear against a first unit 4 for connection. A locking shaft6, one end of which is threaded and is received in a threaded bore 8A ofa handle 8, is arranged for axial movement in the load-bearing part 2.Turning the handle 8 screws the locking shaft 6 into the handle 8. Atits other end, the locking shaft 6 is rigidly attached to a lockingelement 10. Two beveled shoulders 12 (only one is shown) are arranged inthe load-bearing part 2. The beveled shoulders 12 are arranged in such away that the locking element 10 is forced to rotate when the handle 8performs an axial movement.

The first unit 4 has a channel 14. The channel 14 is preferablylongitudinal and can e.g. be a groove, such as a T groove. The firstunit 4 has edges 16 at the opening of the channel 14 making the openingnarrower than the channel 14. The widths of the opening and the lockingelement 10 are tailored to each other to enable the locking element 10to be inserted through the opening.

When the holder is connected to the first unit 4, the locking element 10is accordingly inserted into the channel 14 through the opening in thefirst unit 4.

The handle 8 is then rotated, thereby screwing the locking shaft 6 intothe handle 8. The locking element 10 is then pulled against the beveledshoulders 12, forcing the locking element 10 to rotate. The rotationcauses part of the locking element 10 to come into contact with theedges 14, and they are clamped between the load-bearing part 2 and thelocking element 10, thereby connecting the holder to the first unit 4.

For detachment, the handle 8 is turned in the opposite direction tounscrew the locking shaft 6. The locking element 10 can then be liftedoff the beveled shoulders 14 and turned back to its original position.The holder can then be easily detached from the first unit 4.

To facilitate the return of the locking element 10 to its originalposition, a torsion bar 18, in this instance, is arranged in theload-bearing part 2 and attached to the locking shaft 6. The torsion bar18 is set up so it tensions when the locking element 10 is rotatedduring locking. The holder could also contain a pressure spring thatexerts axial pressure on the locking element 10 when the holder is to bedetached. However, this is not shown in the figures.

FIG. 3 shows a conjoined locking element 10 and locking shaft 6. Itclearly shows the threaded part of the locking shaft 6. The use of acompound component means that the holder has fewer parts and is easierto fabricate and assemble. The depicted design for the locking element10 also comprises a bevel 20A, 20B on both sides. The contact surfaces22A, 22B, which will press against the edges of the first unit, arearranged at the bevels 20A, 20B. These bevels 20A, 20B enable thelocking element 10 to be relatively tall, thereby increasing handlestability.

FIG. 4 shows a version of the holder for the attachment of additionalunits (not shown in the FIG.) The load-bearing part 2 is essentiallyL-shaped in this instance. The handle 8 with the locking device (onlythe locking element 10 is visible) is on one leg. Guiding elements 24are also arranged on the load-bearing part 2. In connection to the firstunit, they are also inserted into the opening to contribute stabilitywhen the entire handle is subjected to torsional loading.

A connector part 26 for additional units is arranged on the other leg ofthe load-bearing part 2. They can be e.g. screwed onto the load-bearingpart 2.

One example of the use of the holder according to the invention is inrespiratory care. The holder can be connected to a T-groove rail (or thelike) carrying a carriage for a respirator. Articulated arms can then beattached to the holder to hold infusion bags or different kinds ofinstruments. However, the holder can be used in all areas in whichdetachable connection of different units is desired.

Although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled inthe art, it is the intention of the inventor to embody within the patentwarranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably andproperly come within the scope of his contributions to the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A holder comprising: a load-bearing elementadapted for pressing against a component; a threaded shaft proceedingthrough said load-bearing element and axially movable relative thereto,said threaded shaft having a first end adapted for insertion into saidcomponent and a second end projecting outside of said load bearingelement; a handle having a threaded bore receiving said second end ofsaid threaded shaft; a locking element rigidly connected to said lockingshaft; and a beveled shoulder disposed in an interior of saidload-bearing element and against which said locking element is axiallymovable, and wherein rotation of said handle screws said threaded shaftinto said threaded bore to pull said locking shaft and said lockingelement axially against said beveled shoulder causing rotation of saidlocking element from a first position wherein said locking element isinsertable into said component to a second position wherein said lockingelement is pressed against said component to hold said loading-bearingpart against said component.
 2. A holder as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid handle is rotated in a first direction for causing said lockingelement to rotate from said first position to said second position, andwherein said holder further comprises a spring disposed in said interiorof said load bearing element and interacting with said load-bearingelement and said locking element to return said locking element to saidfirst position when said handle is rotated in a second directionopposite to said first direction.
 3. A holder as claimed in claim 1wherein said shaft and said locking element form a single, unitarypiece.
 4. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said load-bearingelement comprises a holder part adapted for holding a second component.